As a graduate of a theology master’s program, I consider the area of Values, Philosophy, and History to be one of my strong suits. Philosophical and moral/ethical reflection are important skills for such a program, and I excelled. Now in my new graduate program, College Student Development and Counseling, I was enculturated to the history, philosophies, values, and social context of the Student Affairs profession.

The final paper for my graduate course, Foundations of Academic Advising, required that I synthesize my learning in several disparate areas: educational philosophy, student development theory, student learning outcomes, ethical foundations, relational foundations, and academic advising roles and responsibilities. Synthesis is the second-to-highest type of learning in Bloom’s taxonomy. This synthesis is the most complex work I have attempted in this competency area, and it is also some of my best work. Therefore, I have chosen it as my artifact demonstrating my growth in Philosophy, Values, and History.